Citizen rights organisation AfriForum says it will have the controversial tender for the Web site of the Free State government investigated.
In a statement released by the body today, it says after a three-month struggle, the union has finally managed to get hold of the tender documents from the office of the premier, Ace Magashule.
"The exorbitant amounts are worrying and, as one goes through the documents, it becomes increasingly clear there are a number of questions surrounding this tender," says CW Els, AfriForum organiser for the Free State.
The tender, which ITWeb has obtained through an application made under the Promotion of Access to Information Act, reveals that according to the Cherry Online-Ikamva-Jugganaut consortium's winning bid for the controversial Free State Web sites, the province was set to be charged a ceiling total of R117 million.
The total bid price, contained in the completed request for proposal, comes in at R39.1 million each year for three years, subject to inflation of 7.5%, and includes an amount of R14.2 million for travel costs, even though the consortium claimed bonus points for residing in the province.
The amount is more than twice as much as the province has said it has forked out so far, for what it claims is a 38 Web site-wide project. The winning bid came in at more than R30 million for each of its three phases, while the estimated project duration is 4 410 "man" days, which equates to 12 years working every day of the year.
Overheads come in at another more than R4 million a phase, but these are not specified, despite the province's documentation requiring an explanation.
Overpriced
According to AfriForum, a number of Web site developers have noted that even the most expensive, extensive and interactive Web site with advanced security functions should not cost more than a few hundred-thousand rand.
Els says in the statement it is clear the relevant Web sites are still not receiving attention as the information on the sub sites is outdated. The Tokologo municipality Web site allegedly still shows the name of the municipal manager who was replaced in April. Contact details and documentation that are required by law to appear on the Web sites are apparently missing.
"Since 2011, more than R70 million has been spent, and a further R41 million will be spent during 2013/2014," says Els. "This is a clear example of tax money being wasted, while service delivery in this province is lacking. This money could have been used to address the impending water crisis."
The trade union initiative does not provide more details surrounding its plans to have the tender investigated. The province has previously declined to comment as the issue is currently subject to an audit, which includes a probe to determine whether it received value for money.
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